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Dental Fillings: What Are They, And When Do You Need One?

Dental Fillings: What Are They, And When Do You Need One?

By Restoration Smiles

Are dental fillings something you have heard of but need help understanding? You’re not alone. Dental fillings are a procedure used to repair cavities, broken teeth, and other issues in your mouth. This article will cover the basics of dental fillings, such as what they are when to get them, and the available types. Read on for all the details.

A dental filling is a dental restoration procedure used to treat cavities or damaged teeth caused by decay or trauma. Fillings can be made from gold, silver amalgam, glass ionomer cement, plastic composites, and porcelain. The material chosen will depend on the size and extent of the dental restoration needed.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings treat cavities and other dental problems resulting in tooth damage or decay. During this procedure, the damaged area is removed and replaced with a dental filling material that helps restore the original shape and strength of the tooth. The dental filling can also help protect the remaining healthy tooth part from further damage.

Types Of Dental Fillings

There are several types of dental fillings available for different needs. These include:

– Amalgam Fillings: These are made from a mixture of silver, copper, tin, and zinc. They provide strong but flexible restoration and are usually used for molars and premolars.

– Composite Fillings: These dental fillings are made from a resin material that bonds to the tooth and closely matches the color of your natural teeth. They are often used in front teeth and can last up to 10 years with proper care.

– Porcelain Fillings: These dental fillings are made from dental porcelain, which matches the shade of your natural teeth. Porcelain dental fillings look very natural and provide strong dental restoration.

When Do You Need A Dental Filling?

Dental fillings may be necessary for cavities or other issues, such as broken or cracked teeth or damage caused by decay. Your dentist will usually recommend dental fillings to restore your teeth to their original shape, strength, and function.

Risks & Complications Of Dental Fillings

Although dental fillings are generally safe, some risks and complications should be considered. These include:

– Allergic reaction to dental filling materials

– Pain or discomfort during the dental filling procedure

– Tooth sensitivity after dental fillings have been placed

– Incomplete restoration of the tooth due to difficulty in placement of dental filling material

– Damage to surrounding healthy dental structure

Dental fillings can help restore cavities and other damaged areas of your teeth. It’s important to understand the different types of dental fillings available and their risks and complications. If you need dental fillings, talk to your dentist about your options.

FAQs

Q: What are dental fillings?

A: Dental fillings are a dental restoration procedure used to treat cavities or damaged teeth caused by decay or trauma. They help restore the original shape and strength of the tooth and can be made from materials such as gold, silver amalgam, glass ionomer cement, plastic composites, and porcelain.

Q: When do I need dental fillings?

A: Dental fillings may be necessary when you have cavities or other dental problems, such as broken or cracked teeth or damage caused by decay. Your dentist will usually recommend dental fillings to restore your teeth to their original shape, strength, and function.

Q: What are the risks of dental fillings?

A: Some risks associated with dental fillings include allergic reaction to dental filling materials, pain or discomfort during the dental filling procedure, tooth sensitivity after dental fillings have been placed, incomplete restoration of the tooth, and damage to surrounding healthy dental structure.

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